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Do you ever walk down the street and see someone so ridiculously stylish you want to stop and take their photo just so you can savour the moment later? Maya Villiger does - so much so that she's made it her job.
The Los Angeles-based Kiwi launched street style blog Turned Out last year, "to share the great street style I was seeing on my travels". And though street style websites may have reached saturation point, Turned Out has a distinct difference: it's the first street style publication to be both web and mobile compatible.
"I love using my mobile to read great content on-the-go, but there was nothing satisfying my style craving. I wanted to fill that gap," says the 29-year-old.
Villiger shoots the good-looking and stylish in Los Angeles, with a team around the world (in Auckland, Berlin, Paris, Sydney, Paris, Melbourne, New York and London) adding to the international flavour of the site.
Studying others has clearly rubbed off on Villiger, whose own style is influenced by everything from Wes Anderson films to French and Italian Vogue. "Anyone who knows me says my style is `classic'. That sounds pretty boring to me, but they are probably right!"
Who are your favourite designers?
I seem to mostly wear A.P.C, Acne, Karen Walker, To Sir With Love, 3.1 Philip Lim and Ralph Lauren. If I had it my way I would also be filling my wardrobe with Prada, Balenciaga and way more Miu Miu. Oh, and I am excited to buy a few pieces from Boy by Band Of Outsiders this autumn.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
An Eres bikini.
Who or what inspires you?
Generosity and kindness. Seeing wonderful personal style on the street, worn by regular (albeit wonderfully creative) people.
Your favourite accessory?
My Nikon camera, followed by an initialled Goyard tote I carry it in.
Any funny celeb experiences you've had while in LA?
Actor Seymour Cassel, a favourite of directors John Cassavetes and Wes Anderson, lives in my building. We seem to have the same washing schedule so find ourselves chatting in the laundry room, him always in his bathrobe. He's funny and extremely quirky, always asking me to take his photo and telling me how much he loves his work. It's fun, I loved him in Rushmore, and it's a pleasant reminder that we live in LA.
Who does the best shoes?
Day-to-day I wear Lanvin ballet flats, Prada sandals, or New Balance sneakers - sturdy and comfy. Lanvin shoes come in the most beautiful, rich colours. YSL heels are cool and sexy, they are my choice for evening. Azzedine Alaia shoes are out of this world - unfortunately so are the prices.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Personality.
Your best beauty tip?
Sunscreen and a dermatologist.
Your fashion obsession?
Shoes make me pretty happy.
How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?
I think being "fashionable" means conforming to the fashion of the time. I believe truly stylish people grow out of being "fashionable"' by developing a personal sense of colour, proportion and style.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Maybe Natalia Vodianova's, she always looks brilliant.
Any style icons?
Wes Anderson and French Vogue's Emmanuel Alt (she's kind of cool). I have seen Lauren Hutton in New York a few times and she still looks amazing.
The rule you always dress by?
Comfort.
Best sartorial advice you ever had?
Get the fit right.
You feel best wearing?
At the moment mini dresses and baggy cashmere feel pretty good.
Most cherished item?
I just purchased a beautiful Philip Townsend photograph of a very young Mick Jagger, I think once it's back from the framers it will be my new favourite thing.
Favourite fashion moment in film?
I still love watching Diane Keaton as Annie Hall. Both Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway are impeccable in the original Thomas Crown Affair. Plus Gwyneth Paltrow in The Royal Tenenbaums.
Personal style quirk?
Obsessive lint removal.
Most stylish city?
I know it's cliche but I really do think Paris. It's not just what they're wearing, it's their way of life.
Best music for getting dressed to?
Maybe something like David Bowie, Heroes; Elvis Costello, Watching The Detectives; or Phoenix, If I Ever Feel Better.
When I was in high school I wore ... ?
Stripes, stripes and more stripes (and I still can't get past it).
What are your favourite online blogs and shopping sites?
Style.com, Garance Dore, Net-a-Porter.com.
The biggest difference between LA and New Zealand style is ... ?
Quantity and colour. Californians wear far more colour and far less clothing. New Zealanders seem to be less trend-driven than the masses in LA, which is refreshing. LA has a fantastic selection of vintage clothing, which is a wonderful resource, I love seeing people experimenting with that.
